On Wednesday afternoon, Cameron State Bank donated $1,000 to start the fund for a project dedicated to the life and memory of Vinton’s youngest junior firefighter, five year old Garrett Vice, who passed away on December 28, 2008.
Garrett’s tragic death has touched the entire community. Now, over a year later, the community has thought of a way to possibly express its sympathy in a meaningful way.
Garrett’s father and mother have been associated with the Vinton Fire Department for years. Chris has been a volunteer firefighter for the last eight years in Vinton and in Ward 7. For the last five years, he has been employed full-time at the Sulphur Fire Department. Buffy has worked for the Vinton Fire Department as a secretary for the last two years.
Cameron State Bank is the employer for Garrett’s grandmother, Terry Berry. Assistant manager for the Vinton branch of Cameron State Bank, Terri LeBlanc, said, “You wish you could take away some of the pain, you pray, but the pain is something that mushrooms out and touches everyone in the community.”
The Vinton Fire Department has a 1947 model Mack fire truck that will be modified to make it child-safe. The entire project will cost over $10,000. The idea is to erect a static fire truck display in the Vinton City Park. All the “bells and whistles” will be made to shine with fresh paint and chrome. Children for years will be able to “be firemen.”
Garrett was always with his parents and his sister Kristin when they were at the fire station and wanted to grow up to be just like his dad.
Garrett’s death was caused from injuries sustained in a four vehicle auto accident on December 27, 2008 on the 210 bridge. The driver at fault was issued a citation for driving under the influence.
Donations for this project have been coming in but more is needed to complete this project. Donations can be made at any Cameron State Bank location. The account is The Vinton Fire Department Project Fire Truck. It is their goal to complete this project by the first of October 2010 in time for the Town of Vinton’s 100 year celebration. They would like to thank Cameron State Bank and Rodney and Lula Burch for their generous donations.
Vinton, La. —
